Heins says the panel will include 84 judges, including 28 from China and 56 from abroad and representing 23 nationalities. Baijius will be judged by both the local and international judges and there will also be training sessions.

“The huge diversity of products and their high alcohol content make sensory analysis of spirits a challenging task which is why the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles attaches great importance to the ongoing training of its judges,” says Heins. “Alongside the tasting sessions, judges are offered the chance to take part in workshops and training sessions to allow them to appreciate and, more importantly, judge the specific characteristics of each product.”